Bank of Baroda
Do you have your bank account in Bank of Baroda? For the last few days, the news of a big data leak of the bank has been spreading rapidly on the dark web, which has given sleepless nights to the customers. It is being claimed that hackers have about one terabyte of bank data, which includes loan documents, identity cards and other personal information of customers. On July 27, the bank itself confirmed that there had been a security breach. But the matter of relief is that your money is safe. Hackers have not been able to reach the ‘core system’ of the bank from where money transactions take place. However, the real threat is not from hackers, but from fraudsters taking advantage of this leaked data. Let us understand what the whole matter is and what you should do to keep your account safe.
No need to worry, your money is safe
First of all, take a deep breath. The bank has clearly said that their main system from where money transactions take place is completely secure. Hackers have not been able to reach there. Actually, all that happened was that the email of one of the bank’s employees was hacked and some information was leaked from there. A hacking group named ‘TripleX’ has claimed to have leaked it. This leak may contain customer names, account information and some photos or ID proofs. But this does not mean at all that someone will empty your bank account overnight.
Account does not become void just because data is leaked
Understand it like this that someone has come to know about your house, but you still have the key of the house. No one can withdraw money from your account just by using your name, Aadhaar or PAN card number. To withdraw money, they will need your password, ATM PIN or OTP received on your phone. And all these things have not fallen into the hands of hackers in the data leak. Cyber experts are also explaining that this is a case of your identity being stolen, not of money being stolen.
The real danger is not from hackers, but from fraudsters.
Now let’s talk about the real danger. Fraudsters will use this leaked data to fool you. Suppose, you get a call. The person in front tells you your name, your branch and the last four numbers of the account absolutely correctly. He says, “I am speaking to the security team of Bank of Baroda, your account is being blocked.” You get scared and accept what he says as truth. Then he asks you for an OTP and in panic you tell him. Bus! This is where the game ends and your money is deducted. Remember, no bank in the world ever asks you for OTP, CVV or password over phone or message. If someone asks, disconnect the phone immediately.
Do these 7 things to keep yourself safe
Don’t wait for the bank’s investigation to be completed. Take these immediate steps to secure your account:
- Change the password of your net banking and bank’s mobile app today.
- Read every SMS and email (transaction alert) coming to your phone from the bank carefully, do not ignore them.
- If any link comes on the phone which says ‘Update your KYC’ or ‘Account has been closed’, then do not click on that link at all. Nowadays a lot of such fake messages are coming.
- Lock the biometrics of your Aadhaar card by visiting UIDAI website or mAadhaar app. It hardly takes 5 minutes.
- Check your CIBIL report. This will let you know whether anyone else has taken a loan in your name and ID.
- If you find any problem in your account, inform the bank directly and call the cyber police on number 1930. Don’t wait sitting at home.
- Always keep your current mobile number and email updated with the bank.
Should Bank of Baroda account be closed now?
no way. Experts say that it is not wise to close the account due to fear of data leakage. Nowadays, a lot of our data is available online and such incidents often happen with other banks and companies as well. You just need to be a little smart. Do not give your ‘key’ i.e. your OTP and password to anyone, your money will remain absolutely safe.
